Meeting Information

Civic_Design_Committee

CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, March 15, 2004
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70

Minutes

Commissioners Present: Stanlee Gatti, Barbara Stauffacher Solomon, Andrea Cochran, William Meyer, Rod Freebairn-Smith

Absent: None

Staff Present: Nancy Gonchar, Rommel Taylor


Call To Order: 3:10 p.m

1. Embarcadero Odor and Corrosion Control Ventilation Elements, Phase 1 and 2
   
   Jignesh Desai, sanitary engineer, SFPUC presented the project.He explained that project was to install 10-11 ventilation elements along the Embarcadero corridor . The goal of the project is to reduce corrosion of infrastructure and to reduce sewer odors to pedestrians using the Embarcadero. Mr. Desai explained that the ventilation elements would be approximately 14' tall and constructed of either non-corrosive lined stainless steel or FRP(fiber reinforced plastic). The design team is recommending that the ventilation elements be painted either Embarcadero Blue or Embarcadero Gray. He stated that the elements would be located in the median along the Embarcadero.
   
   Mr. Gatti opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Mr. Gatti closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Stauffacher-Solomon asked how many of these elements would be placed on the Embarcadero. She also asked if the odor was a health hazard.
   Mr. Desai stated that there would be a maximum of 11 ventilation elements.He also stated that studies had determined that the odors where not a health hazard.
   
   Commissioner Gatti stated that the design was very pragmatic. He asked how the tower was connected to the sewer cover at grade.
   
   Mr. Desai explained that the image shows the tower sitting on a concrete base, however in the final design the base will be hidden underground. The base of the ventilation tower will be flush with the pavement.
   
   Commissioner Meyer stated that he did not have any major objections to the basic shape of the tower, however, it would be good to see other design studies. He asked if any other design options were explored. He also asked if the conduit shown in the photos would remain. Mr. Meyer stated that he preferred that the color be Embarcadero Blue.
   
   Mr. Desai stated that the conduit would not be on the final ventilation elements. The conduit shown in the photos was for data collection during the trial installation.
   
   Commissioner Cochran stated that she would prefer that the concrete base be completely below ground and that the metal or FRP base be flush with the ground.
   
   Commissioner Gatti recommended that a complete set of the final design, including renderings showing the color be presented at Phase 3. He also wanted to know the weight of the FRP versus the steel. In terms of color, he stated that he preferred the Gray.
   
   Commissioner Cochran preferred the Gray.
   
   Commissioner Meyer preferred the Blue.
   
   Commissioner Freebairn Smith preferred the Gray.
   
   Commissioner Stauffacher-Solomon preferred the Gray.
   
   Motion to Approve Phase 1 and 2
   Motion: Gatti
   Vote: Unanimous
   
   
2. Argonne Playground, Phase 1 and 2
   Edgar Lopez, Project Manager, DPW BOA introduced the project. He stated that Damon Louie, Architect, DPW BOA would facilitate the presentation.
   
   Mr. Louie stated that the proposal was to replace an existing clubhouse with new 1500 square foot building. The new building would house a new community room, office space, kitchen facilities, a classroom and storage. In addition there will be new bathrooms accessible from the exterior. Mr. Louie explained that the materials of construction would be comprised of a wood structural frame and concrete masonry units. The finishes would be painted stucco, metal doors and window frames and a painted steel canopy.
   
   Mr. Gatti opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Mr. Gatti closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Gatti stated that the committee would not be reviewing the landscape plan at this time.
   
   Mr. Lopez stated that they were prepared to present the landscape plan and requested that the commission let that be included in the review.
   
   Commissioner Gatti agreed to include the landscape in the review.
   
   Lizzie Hirsch, landscape architect, Recreation and Park, presented the proposed landscape design.  She stated that the concept was to create a central play area for children and family. This central element would also be the primary organizing element for the entire park separating the tennis courts and tai chi area to the east and open lawn and basketball court at the western end.
   
   Commissioner Cochran asked if the concrete block along the rear property line would be treated or left unfinished.
   
   Commissioner Meyer stated that he would like to see the chain link fence removed..  He also stated that the termination of the roof at the rear of the building needed to be studied further. He commented that colors other than earth tones should be explored.
   
   Commissioner Stauffacher Solomon commented that she did not think the roof elements where working well together. She felt that the building is too small to have dramatically different roof expressions.
   
   Commissioner Freebairn-Smith stated that he liked the transparency of the community room. Mr. Freebairn-Smith stated that he would like to see stronger colors and high grade metal for the stucco reveals.
   
   Commissioner Meyer agreed that the overhang wasn't working very well.
   
   Mr. Louie stated that the purpose of the overhang was to call out the center of the building. He explained that it is the most important part of the building.
   
   Commissioner Gatti stated that he thinks the roof is fine and objects to having the design team rework the entire roof design.
   
   Commissioner Cochran stated that the bathrooms seem like and afterthought and not integrated into the overall building.
   
   Commissioner Gatti stated that the colors where not a good choice and that they should be studied further.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 1
   Motion: Cochran
   Vote:
   Yes-Freebairn-Smith, Gatti, Cochran, Staffacher-Solomon
   No- Meyer
   
   
3. Sigmund Stern Grove Phase 1 and 2
   
   Judi Mosqueda, Project Manager, DPW, briefly introduced the project. She reminded the Commission that an informational presentation was given in October of 2002. She stated that the proposal was to upgrade the existing stage and facilities and other general site improvements. Ms. Mosqueda introduced Lawrence Halprin, landscape architect to present the design concepts for the park.
   
   Mr. Halprin, Principal, Office of Lawrence Halprin explained that the primary intent was to design elements that did not change the natural character of the park. He stated that the program the scope of work for the stage area would be replacement of backstage building, dressing rooms, restrooms, storage facility and the stage.The site improvements include redesigned terraced lawn seating, renovation of the parking lot, general landscape upgrades and site furnishings. Mr. Halprin commented that in keeping with the rustic feeling of the grove, the materials of constructions would be wood and stone. A new truss, to support stage lighting will be designed of steel. The form of the truss will resemble the form of a tree with many branches.
   
   Commissioner Gatti stated that he was very satisfied with the design and the presentation.
   
   Commissioner Cochran agreed that the design was well thought out and expects that the execution will be of equal caliber.
   
   Commissioner Meyer echoed the comments of commissioners Gatti and Cochran. He asked if the design team had explored other options for hanging the speakers from the truss system. He asked if there are speakers that might work better with the truss design.
   
   Mr. Halprin stated that they had already identified that as a less than ideal situation.
   
   Chad Hamilton, Principal, Hamilton and Aiken Architects explained that they had designed a custom armature that would hold the speakers in place. He stated that they are still studying other options.
   
   Commissioner Freebairn-Smith asked if the new stage design would include more generous wings to enhance ballet performances.
   
   Mr. Halprin stated that the overall stage would be increased from 55' in length to 70'There are existing areas on both sides of the stage that act as the wings.The increased length will increase that area as well.
   
   Commissioner Stauffacher-Solomon stated that the overall design was excellent and particularly liked the addition of stone in the terraced seating area.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 1 and 2
   Motion:Freebairn-Smith
   Vote: Unanimous
   
   
4. New Business
   
   
5. Adjournment 5:30 p.m
   

Revision Date 03/24/04